Corinthian Lodge No. 93 A.F. & A.M.M · MApril 2023

We celebrated the life of Brother Al Edens

On Saturday, March 25, at the Towson Masonic Temple, Past Masters John Reiter (as Master) and Roy Hodgson (as Chaplain) presided at the Masonic memorial service for 48-year Corinthian Brother and 47-year catechism instructor, Allen Wightman Edens.

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The weather outside was miserable—chilly and rainy, but that didn't stop well over 100 of Al's brothers, family, co-workers, and friends from paying their respects.

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Meet our newest Corinthian Brother

At our regular communication on Wednesday, March 1, Charles Mark Kithcart became our newest Entered Apprentice.

Brother Kithcart was born in North Carolina. However, he was raised in Iran, Maryland and Ohio.

He was a member of the U.S.A.'s winning 1992 America’s Cup yacht racing team. He's a U.S. Marine and served as an Intelligence Officer.

During better times in U.S./Russia relations, he served as a Project Manager for the Age of Russia Challenge effort for the 1995 America’s Cup, and was given the title of Vice-Commodore of the St. Petersburg, Russia, Yacht Club. He has also sailed on many oceanographic research expeditions.

Welcome to our newest Brother, one we can likely assume doesn't mind getting wet.

Everyone gathered for a group photo after Brother Kithcart's initiation.

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Our WM Rick Jones, Jr., installed as Worthy Patron at the Order of the Eastern Star Towson Chapter No. 70

Pictured above are installing Worthy Grand

Matron Carol Newman (at left) standing with

Worthy Matron Rouse, Worthy Patron Jones, and

installing Worthy Grand Patron Richard Naegele.

On hand to support the new WP Jones and WM Rouse, were members of the Jones family (L to R) Bobbie and Brother Bob Jones; Richard H. Jones, Sr., PM; Rick's brother, Erik Jones; and in the second row was Rick's nephew, James Messick.

Glenna Jones (left) is here being introduced to the Worthy Grand Matron to be installed as Associate Conductress.

Joneses were everywhere!

Looking on from their station in the West, Rick's sister, Grand Adah Lisa Jones-Venetos and her husband, Brother Lambros Venetos, were installed as Associate Matron and Associate Patron, the officers next in line.

After the installations, the new Associates presented gifts to the new Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron.

Corinthian Lodge sponsors March 12th worship service at Bonnie Blink

Each Sunday, area lodges take turns providing worship for the residents in the beautiful chapel at Bonnie Blink Maryland Masonic Homes.

On March 12, it was Corinthian Lodge's turn.

At the beginning and end of the service, WM Rick Jones, Jr., explained a little about Masonry to the non-Mason residents.

During the service, Roy Hodgson, PM, from the lectern given by Corinthian Lodge sometime in the past, read the Old Testament lesson, Exodus 17: 1-7.

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We were delighted to have Mrs. Dorothy Needer at the organ to provide the music and lead us in singing.

Father Walter Burgess, PM, and Grand Chaplain Emeritus, officiated at the service and presented a thoughtful message.

We were able to escort several residents to the chapel. One resident was celebrating her 103 birthday, and another was 101! It was a pleasure interacting with the residents before and after the service.

After the service, the Brothers gathered for a group photo.

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We're trying to track down exactly when this lectern was given

Here is the marker behind the lectern in the chapel at Bonnie Blink. We know it was given by our lodge, but we can't find any record of when it was given.

Can anyone out there help us with this? We'd appreciate it!

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We'd like to highlight this Corinthian Brother

Ediitor's Note: This is a new series, a brainchild of Chaplain Gary Norman, PM. Each month we'll highlight one of our fine Brothers, interviewed by Brother Norman.

This month... Brother John Reiter, PM.

Our Ritualist, John C. H. Reiter, PM

As one of the kindest, most accessible, Past Masters I ever met, I could not think of a better “elder” to start this series.

Someone mentioned to me once about folks having a ripple effect on the life of others.

Who knows how these ripples in a pond or lake start, but the ripples of Freemasonry appeared to exist in the life of Brother John.

His wife, Janet's great grandfather and grandfather were Masons, as were some of his uncles, in-laws and family friends. He was raised at Corinthian Lodge on April 24, 1987. The Masons in his family encouraged him to learn more, which he would certainly do. He started teaching catechism that same year and hasn't stopped since!

Brother John began going through the chairs as Senior Deacon in 1990. Three years later, in 1993, he would become Worshipful Master.

PM Oliver T. Siffrin, Sr. who readied Brother John in the "prep room" as he went through the first three degrees, and was his catechism instructor (along with Brother Al Edens), was able to attend Brother John's initiation in 1993 as Worshipful Master. It is Brother Siffrin's Past Master jewel that PM Reiter now proudly wears (you can see it in the picture above).

After finishing his term as Worshipful Master, Brother John assisted Corinthian Lodge Ritualist John Sorenson, and after Brother Sorenson's passing in 1996, took over as Corinthian Lodge Ritualist.

He is also active in Lebanon Lodge in Manchester near his home, he is 32° Scottish Rite, and you can always see him volunteering at the Tall Cedars during their November pancake breakfasts and the many other Tall Cedar events.

Brother John fondly recalls the profound commitment and influence of Brother William T. Price in instructing Corinthian's young Masons for over five decades, noting that in light of "Uncle Bill's" influence, he started his own journey as ritualist/catechism instructor.

Brother John applauds the fact that, from his perspective, Corinthian Lodge has always been a lodge modeling fraternity. He prays, should he not be here tomorrow, that Corinthian Lodge would remain an affable, connected, and strong Blue Lodge, taking good men and making them better.

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Some of our officers have been receiving Scottish Rite Degrees on Wednesdays

The Scottish Rite confers its degrees in the Spring and Fall. Four Corinthian Brothers are going thru the Spring class.

On March 22nd, we cancelled our regular meeting to attend the degrees.

Pictured left to right, are PM Roger Dunn 32°, PM Les Hodgson 32°, Michael Cantrell 32°, Jason Smith 13°, PM Joe Frank 13°, WM Rick Jones 32°, Richie Jones 13°, John Markel 13°, Michael Coons 32°.

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kpossibly more."

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We'd like to say, 'Happy April Birthday,' to these terrific brothers!

v13 - David Booth, Sr.

v15 - Richard Lipford

v15 - John Markel

v18 - Albert Kaestner, Jr., PM

v18 - Jonathan Skarda

v12 - Ivan Dooley, PM

v14 - Richard Stevens

v17 - Gary Norman, PM

v26 - Robert Gostomski

v27 - Frank Shaulis

MMMYour Editor's cake.

Can you find THE HIDDEN TIGER?

Here's the latest scoop from the top down

From none other than our WM Rick Jones, Jr., here's a list of some major events coming up in April.

For complete details on these and other events of interest visit either The Trestle Board  or the WM Calendar, both on our Lodge website.

Saturday, April 1 – Towson Easter Egg HuntN8:15 AM

PM Creamer says we should be at the park behind the Bykota Senior Center at 611 Central Avenue by 8:15 AM in order to hide the eggs in the park. The hunt will start at 9:00 AM, and the main part should be pretty much over by 10:00.

PLUS... we still need someone (light, welter or middle weight) to wear the Bunny Suit. Call PM Creamer if you can help us with that.

Dress is business casual (your Corinthian polo, if you have one), or a stylish bunny suit. April 8 is the rain date.

Monday, April 3 – Final FC rehearsalN6:00 PM

This will be our final tune up for conferring the Fellowcraft Degree on April 5th.

Wednesday, April 5 – Regular communicationN7:00 PM

Note the time change! We will ballot on one or two petitions, do one or two EA exemplifications, and will labor in the Second Degree to pass one or two Entered Apprentices to Fellowcrafts.

Saturday, April 15 – Scottish Rite Reunion DayN7:00 AM

At the Scottish Rite Temple, 3800 North Charles Street

Sunday, April 16 – Scottish Rite Ring CeremonyN2:00 PM

At the Scottish Rite Temple, 3800 North Charles Street. This is the culmination of the Spring schedule. Open to family and friends.

Thursday, April 20 – Lodge of InstructionN7:00 PM

Downstairs at the Boumi Temple, 5050 King Avenue, Rosedale. (Use the back entrance.) DGL Dave Sandy will be teaching the 1st Degree..

Wednesday, April 26 – Regular communicationN7:00 PM

Again, note new time! We will open in the 1st Degree for possible EA initiation.

Our 2023 Lodge Officers

MMRick Jones, Jr. - Worshipful Master

MMJustin Fuller - Senior Warden

MMJason Smith - Junior Warden

MMLes Hodgson, PM - Secretary

MMMichael Cantrell - Assistant Secretary

MMJoe Creamer, PM - Treasurer

MMEarl Henson - Membership Manager

MMMichael Cantrell, Jason Smith and Bob Ludwig - Trustees

MMJohn Markel - Senior Deacon

MMBen Ludwig - Junior Deacon

MMRichie Jones - Senior Steward

MMMichael Coons - Junior Steward

MMRoy Hodgson, PM - Tyler

MMGary Norman, PM - Chaplain

MMRobert Jones - Marshall

MMJohn C. H. Reiter, PM - Ritualist

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Editorial Staff

Editor – John Markel

Managing Editor – WM Rick Jones, Jr.

Secretarial Editor – Les Hodgson, PM

Editor Egregious – Joe Creamer, PM



Corinthian Lodge No. 93

507 West Chesapeake Avenue

Towson, Maryland 21204

443-377-1687

Corinthian93.com

Meets First and Fourth Wednesdays